Sequels and prequels that made fans wait a long time -

'Princess Diaries' came out in 2001 and was an instantly iconic role for Anne Hathaway, who also starred in the 2004 sequel. Some 18 years later, Disney has announced that a third installment is on its way, and it's not a reboot! On October 4, Anne Hathaway confirmed that she is on board for the sequel and will be reprising her role as Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia. She took to social media with a fun video that featured a clip of her most memorable quote from the 2001 movie: "A princess?! Shut up!" It then showed Julie Andrews, who plays Queen Clarice Renaldi, repeating the line in the second film. Finally, current-day Hathaway appeared on camera and said "Shut up!" a third time, blowing a kiss to the camera. The caption read, "Miracles happen" and "Back to Genovia."

Click through the gallery to see which other sequels and prequels made fans wait the longest.

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'The Passion of The Christ' -

More than 20 years later, 'The Passion of the Christ,' which grossed over US$600 million at the box office and swiftly became one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of all time, is returning with a sequel that promises big emotions. Director Mel Gibson is reportedly looking at Malta as a filming location for the upcoming 'The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection,' with plans to start filming in 2025. Neither Gibson nor star Jim Caviezel, who is returning for the sequel, have hid their commitment to making the sequel a reality. Gibson first announced the project in 2016, and in 2018 Caviezel shared his excitement, predicting the film would be "the biggest movie in history."

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'Spaceballs' -

The 1987 MGM space opera parody film 'Spaceballs' is officially getting a sequel. The original starred the late John Candy as Barf, the legendary Mel Brooks as both President Skroob and Yogurt, along with Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and Daphne Zuniga. The new project is being produced by Mel Brooks, alongside actor Josh Gad who will also take on the starring role. It's reportedly still in the early phases of development at Amazon MGM and no plot details have been released yet. The film is to be directed by Josh Greenbaum based on a screenplay by Josh Gad, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez. Josh Gad is perhaps best known for his work on Broadway starring in 'The Book of Mormon,' as well as voicing the character Olaf in Disney's 'Frozen' movies. He's certainly proven that he has the voice and the comedy skills for a Mel Brooks space opera parody film! 

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'Practical Magic' -

Almost 30 years after Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman starred in the cult classic 'Practical Magic' (1998), a sequel has got the green light. The original movie follows the orphaned sisters of the Owens family, descended from a long line of witches who bear a curse upon their love lives. They're raised by their eccentric aunts, played by Dianne West and Stockard Channing. As adults, the women must come together and use the gift of magic to destroy the evil spirit of an abusive ex-boyfriend. The film is based on the novel by Alice Hoffman of the same name. "It's official," Warner Bros. announced on Instagram on June 10. "Practical Magic 2 is in development and coming soon." Bullock and Kidman are currently in negotiations to seal the deal for their returns. Director Griffin Dunne has already expressed interest in taking part in a sequel, and original screenwriter Akiva Goldsman is already on board. 

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'Beetlejuice' -

It's been over three decades since Tim Burton's 1988 cult-classic comedy 'Beetlejuice' first became iconic. After years of rumors, Warner Bros. finally announced the sequel: 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.' Joining returning stars Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, and Winona Ryder are 'Wednesday' star Jenna Ortega, 'White House Plumbers' star Justin Theroux, and 'Poor Things' (2023) star Willem Dafoe. A new character also joined the cast as Beetlejuice's wife, played by Monica Bellucci. The film was released on September 6, 2024, to critical acclaim. 

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'John Tucker Must Die' -

'John Tucker Must Die' became one of the great rom-com flicks of the decade as soon as hit theaters in 2006. It famously starred Jesse Metcalfe as the eponymous sleazebag, and Sophia Bush, Ashanti, Brittany Snow, and Arielle Kebbel as the revenge squad. On March 24, 2024, the cast appeared on a panel at Epic Cons Chicago, and Arielle Kebbel revealed that a script for a sequel that "does involve all of the OG cast" is out there! Metcalfe added that he hadn't read it yet, but said, "apparently it's amazing" and he'd "definitely love to be a part of it." Sophia Bush chimed in to add, "Ready to go." Metcalfe, now 45, said "I'm here for it. I can't wait to unleash this dad bod on the big screen."

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'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story' -

The 2004 comedy 'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story' is a classic. Starring Vince Vaughn as the underachieving owner of a rundown gym and Ben Stiller as his corporate competition, the movie follows Vaughn and his team of misfits as they prepare to fight for survival on the dodgeball court. Now, almost two decades later, Vaughn has confirmed that a sequel is in the works. Vaughn is on board as the returning star in the upcoming movie, which is still in very early development. 

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'Good Burger' -

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, stars of 'Kenan and Kel' and the hit 1997 comedy 'Good Burger,' reunited in 2023 for a long-awaited sequel. "Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger... Part Two!" Mitchell said on '
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' announcing the sequel. It was released on Paramount+ in November 2023. 

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'I Know What You Did Last Summer' -

The 1997 hit 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' quickly became a cult-classic slasher flick, and while it did get a sequel the next year, it's getting a third sequel over 25 years later.  ET confirmed that the sequel will be directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson ('Do Revenge,' 'Someone Great') and the original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. are in talks to return. The original film follows four young friends who are stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small seaside town. The sequel is only in the early stages of development with Sony Pictures and won't be released until 2025.

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'Twister' -

In 1996, the movie 'Twister' hit screens everywhere causing nightmares about tornadoes for millions of viewers! It follows a storm chaser (Bill Paxton) and a meteorologist (Helen Hunt) who are going through a divorce, but have to work together when a series of violent tornadoes start to break out all over Oklahoma. A sequel entitled 'Twisters' premiered in 2024 with an all-star team on board, including actors Glenn Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, and Kiernan Shipka. The screenplay was written by Mark L. Smith, co-writer of 'The Revenant' (2015), and 'Minari' (2020) director Lee Isaac Chu took the director's chair. 

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'Avatar: The Way of Water' -

'Avatar: The Way of Water' was released on Dec. 16, 2022, 13 years to the day since the release of 'Avatar.' It's filled with stunning visuals, soothing music, and breathtaking adventure. The movie is set more than a decade after the events of the original and follows the Sully family, which includes Jake, Neytiri, and their children. Returning stars include Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver, while impressive names like Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, and Michelle Yeoh have also joined the cast. James Cameron previously promised a mesmerizing spectacle that will do justice to the first movie but take us even further with the technology that has been developed in the meantime, and according to initial reviews, he has more than delivered. "I wanted our return to Pandora to be something really special. Every shot is designed for the biggest screen, highest resolution, and most immersive 3D available," he said. "I think we pulled it off."

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'Rush Hour' -

The beloved action-comedy film series 'Rush Hour' last graced our screens 15 years ago. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker starred in the first three movies which were released between 1998 and 2007 to major box office success. Tucker started rumors of a fourth installment back in 2018, stating, "It’s happening. This is gonna be the rush of all rushes. Jackie is ready and we want to do this so that people don’t ever forget it.” Four years later, Chan confirmed that 'Rush Hour 4' is officially in the works! The first three films were directed by Brett Ratner, who was disgraced in 2017 during the Me Too Movement. Multiple women came forward to accuse him of sexual assault and harassment, including Olivia Munn and Anna Paquin. Ratner has essentially been unemployable since then, so it's unclear who will take the helm of 'Rush Hour 4.'

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'A Christmas Story Christmas' -

'A Christmas Story' has been enjoyed as an annual classic ever since its release in 1983, but it got a 2022 revamp. The HBO Max movie sequel, officially titled 'A Christmas Story Christmas,' is full of holiday nostalgia, from the “fragile” leg lamps to triple dog dare mistakes. The original Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, returns to his iconic role but some four decades later. He joins past cast members including Zack Ward, who played former town bully Scut Farkus who grows up to be a police officer, as well as R.D. Robb and Scott Schwartz as the double dog darer and the daree who put his tongue on the frozen pole. 

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'Clerks 3' -

In 2022, Kevin Smith released a third sequel to his cult classic, 'Clerks' (1994). Smith, who wrote and directed the movie, as well as appeared in it as the beloved character Silent Bob, released the first sequel, 'Clerks II,' in 2006. In 'Clerks III,' Randal, the lead character and convenience store clerk, has decided to make a movie about his life working at the Quick Stop following a major heart attack. The storyline was inspired by Kevin Smith's own experiences, as the director had a serious heart attack in 2018 which inspired him to change his lifestyle and become vegan. The movie saw the return of all of the favorite characters from the original. 

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'Hocus Pocus 2' -

The beloved Halloween classic 'Hocus Pocus' starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy was first released in 1993. Since then, it has maintained a cult following and fans have been desperate for a sequel. Almost 30 years later, 'Hocus Pocus 2' came out, and it was a much-anticipated return for the Sanderson Sisters. "Lock up your children," Midler's character shouts in the teaser.

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'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' -

'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' was released in 2023, 20 years after the original film first arrived and six years after 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2' premiered in 2016. After writing and starring in the first two films, Nia Nia Vardalo also took on the role of director for the third film. It was released in 2023 and follows the Portokalos family reuniting in Greece to celebrate Toula and Ian's daughter’s wedding

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'Top Gun: Maverick' -

The long-awaited 'Top Gun' sequel came 36 years later! 'Top Gun: Maverick' was an absolute smash at the box office.

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'Scream 5' -

It was over 10 years ago that we last visited Woodsboro to be terrorized by Ghostface, one of the most iconic killers in the history of the horror genre. On January 13, 2022, 'Scream 5' was finally unleashed onto the big screen! The old stars like Courteney Cox and David Arquette returned to reprise their roles, while several new faces have also joined the cast. Critic reviews said it's the best 'Scream' movie to be released since the 1996 original. 

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'Toy Story 3' - 'Lightyear' -

It's been more than 10 years since the last 'Toy Story' movie both broke and lifted our hearts. Pixar teased the release of a spin-off for years, and 'Lightyear' finally arrived in 2022, telling the origin story of Woody's beloved sidekick, Buzz Lightyear. One major change that surprised many was the replacement of Tim Allen, the original voice actor, in favor of Chris Evans. 

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'Rocky V' - 'Rocky Balboa' -

Original release date: November 16, 1990

Sequel release date: December 20, 2006

Total time lapsed: 16 years, 34 days

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'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' – 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' -

Original release date: May 24, 1989

Sequel release date: May 22, 2008

Total time lapsed: 18 years, 364 days

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'Rambo III' – 'Rambo' -

Original release date: May 25, 1988

Sequel release date: January 25, 2008

Total time lapsed: 19 years, 245 days

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'Dumb and Dumber' – 'Dumb and Dumber To' -

Original release date: December 16, 1994

Sequel release date: November 14, 2014

Total time lapsed: 19 years, 333 days

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'Independence Day' – 'Independence Day: Resurgence' -

Original release date: July 2, 1996

Sequel release date: June 24, 2016

Total time lapsed: 19 years, 358 days

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'The Lost Boys' – 'Lost Boys: The Tribe' -

Original release date: July 31, 1987

Sequel release date: July 29, 2008

Total time lapsed: 20 years, 364 days

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'Carrie' – 'The Rage: Carrie 2' -

Original release date: November 3, 1976

Sequel release date: March 12, 1999

Total time lapsed: 22 years, 129 days

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'Wall Street' – 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' -

Original release date: December 11, 1987

Sequel release date: September 24, 2010

Total time lapsed: 22 years, 287 days

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'Psycho' – 'Psycho II' -

Original release date: June 16, 1960

Sequel release date: June 3, 1983

Total time lapsed: 22 years, 352 days

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'Bachelor Party' – 'Bachelor Party 2: The Last Temptation' -

Original release date: June 29, 1984

Sequel release date: March 11, 2008

Total time lapsed: 23 years, 256 days

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'The Hustler' – 'The Color of Money' -

Original release date: September 25, 1961

Sequel release date: October 17, 1986

Total time lapsed: 25 years, 22 days

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'WarGames' – 'WarGames: The Dead Code' -

Original release date: June 3, 1983

Sequel release date: July 29, 2008

Total time lapsed: 25 years, 56 days

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'The Great Escape' – 'The Great Escape II: The Untold Story' -

Original release date: July 4, 1963

Sequel release date: November 6, 1988

Total time lapsed: 25 years, 125 days

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'Kindergarten Cop' – 'Kindergarten Cop 2' -

Original release date: December 21, 1990

Sequel release date: May 17, 2016

Total time lapsed: 25 years, 148 days

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'Captain Blood' – 'The Son of Captain Blood' -

Original release date: December 28, 1935

Sequel release date: July 27, 1962

Total time lapsed: 26 years, 211 days

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'Shaft in Africa' – 'Shaft' -

Original release date: June 14, 1973

Sequel release date: June 16, 2000

Total time lapsed: 27 years, 2 days

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'Billion Dollar Brain' – 'Bullet to Beijing' -

Original release date: December 20, 1967

Sequel release date: April 27, 1995

Total time lapsed: 27 years, 102 days

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'Big Top Pee-wee' – 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday' -

Original release date: July 22, 1988

Sequel release date: March 18, 2016

Total time lapsed: 27 years, 240 days

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'The Thing' – 'The Thing' (prequel) -

Original release date: June 25, 1982

Prequel release date: October 14, 2011

Total time lapsed: 29 years, 111 days

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'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' – 'Mad Max: Fury Road' -

Original release date: July 10, 1985

Sequel release date: May 15, 2015

Total time lapsed: 29 years, 309 days

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'The Exorcist' – 'Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist' -

Original release date: December 26, 1973

Prequel release date: March 18, 2005

Total time lapsed: 31 years, 82 days

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'Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi' – 'Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens' -

Original release date: May 25, 1983

Sequel release date: December 18, 2015

Total time lapsed: 32 years, 207 days

Note: The prequel series premiered in 1999 and ended in 2005.

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'Easy Rider' – 'Easy Rider: The Ride Back' -

Original release date: July 14, 1969

Prequel release date: February 25, 2012

Total time lapsed: 43 years, 140 days

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'The Wizard of Oz' – 'Return to Oz' -

Original release date: August 25, 1939

Sequel release date: June 21, 1985

Total time lapsed: 45 years, 300 days

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'Cinderella' – 'Cinderella II: Dreams Come True' -

Original release date: March 4, 1950

Sequel release date: February 23, 2002

Total time lapsed: 51 years, 356 days

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'The Killer Shrews' – 'Return of the Killer Shrews' -

Original release date: June 25, 1959

Sequel release date: October 22, 2013

Total time lapsed: 54 years, 119 days

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'Bambi' – 'Bambi II' -

Original release date: August 13, 1942

Sequel release date: February 7, 2006

Total time lapsed: 63 years, 178 days

See also: Famous movies you didn't know had sequels

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